Tweaking the Magnepan 1.7s

I do want to mention a "tweak" that is not specific to Magnepan that has worked incredibly well. I ordered 4' x 2' x 2" sound absorption panels. I place one on each side of my audio system (which sits between the two speakers). I find the best set up when the two panels, one on the right and one on the left, are turn at a 45 degree angle facing the listener.

There is an immediate increase in clarity due to the reduction of reflections off of the audio equipment rack. The music is much more focused and instruments are more easily located in space (although, I have still not gotten the 3D effect of musicians spread out behind the speakers to any major degree).

I have been incredibly lazy and not finished off my new listening area, as yet. Have to paint the room and remove a rather large rear projection TV out of the space. When I have it set up, I will try once again with the reversed positioning.

One final note, I believe the Magnepans continue to get better over time. I have had them for about 5 months and for the first time the other evening, I heard a very familiar Rodrigo Y Gabriela CD but with a difference. For the first time the two guitars in several of the selections seemed to be floating behind the speakers about 3-4 feet. Most of the time, I get very realistic and natural sounding instruments without much depth. This was spooky real and what keeps me "tweaking" my system.

Just ordered XLR cables from BetterCables to connect my Wyred 4 Sound to my Bada Preamp. This is my first test of XLR cables vs. RCA and I didn't want to spend too much money if it wasn't going to make a difference. We'll see.

Mylar front, Tweeters in is Magnepan suggested placement on 1.7's.

I read the 1.7 manual on the magnepan website. Tweeters in! you bet!
Mylar front is how they come.....which puts the connection panel in back, safely out of tripping range and sight.
I'd try it both ways....ALL 4, actually, since you can either do a L/R swap or a simply rotation-in-place.
That give 4 logical ways to place 'em....any of which may yield the best results in any given room.

Do not take for a reading teacher. But the Mag 1.7 manual does notspecifically recommend one tweeter position(in or out) or the other. It does recommend ' tweeter out' on the 1.6's. I have read the print vesion that accompanies the 1.7 and the on line manual which are exactly the same. I have found that leaving the tweether 'out' fit the geometry of my room. I suspect the magnetic side is smoother but will not risk tripping on the wires and the frontal 'normal view ' gives visual pleasure.

There is a pink piece of paper entitled "Magneplanar 1.7 Quick Step-Up Instructions" (looks like typo and should be set-up) stapled along with Magneplanar Loudspeakers plates to the clear plastic that contains the 1.7 owners manual. The instructions read:
"The 1.7 has exceptional phase characteristics that are accomplished without the use of compensation networks. To realize the optimum phasing, the 1.7 should be angled inward to be on-axis with the listener. (Do not place parallel to the front wall.)
In most rooms, we have achieved the best imaging with the tweeters placed on the inside.
The frequency balance should be smooth for rooms with a modest amount of damping. The enclosed resistor should be used for under-damped rooms."